Reflections on Hurricane Otis “Coming out of the Blue”

My journey with my wife, Sylvana Kemmerich-Vargas , started at the shores of the magical city of Acapulco where we then, some years later, actually got married on the Tres Vidas Beach. Now, the devastation of that same famous and beautiful city, caused by the recent category 5 Hurricane Otis, has reminded us on the imperative of envisioning a world where we not only survive but thrive despite these challenges.

Hurricane Otis literally "came out of the blue" taking over 1 million people by surprise as it exponentially transformed from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in a mere 12 hours. Forecasters were caught off-guard, highlighting the profound effects of climate change on storm intensity. This experience has made us acutely aware of how rising water temperatures in the Pacific have amplified the risks we face. The destruction of over 200,000 homes, including ones of Sylvana’s family members and many of our friends, and the loss of countless lives emphasize the urgent need for resilience.

The record-breaking short time from a storm to a category 5 Hurricane Otis, it became even clearer that we must strengthen our resilience to face these natural disasters head-on. Reflecting on my own experience, I realize that it is not enough to rely solely on government and business leaders to take action. Each one of us must cultivate a resilience mindset and actively contribute to building stronger, more secure communities.

Resilient shelter design is a crucial foundation for our collective ability to withstand natural disasters. By the extend of power lines toppling and trees uprooting, I understood that our homes must be built to withstand the growing intensity of storms. It is vital to adapt building codes and regulations, incorporate advanced materials and construction techniques, and prioritize the safety of communities in vulnerable areas.

Energy is the lifeline that keeps our communities functioning, especially during and after natural disasters. During Otis, we realized the importance of investing in renewable and resilient energy infrastructure. By embracing sustainable energy solutions, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring a continuous power supply even in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Natural disasters not only disrupt our homes but also impact our food systems and agricultural practices. Witnessing the destruction caused by Otis, I got reminded again on the profound connection between food security and resilience. We must invest in resilient farming techniques, such as vertical farming and hydroponics, to ensure a stable food supply, even in the face of adversity. Sustainable development practices are also essential, ensuring economic growth that does not compromise our environment.

Witnessing our family members and friends hardship of Hurricane Otis has left an indelible mark, deepening my commitment to building a world where humanity can thrive despite climate change. I believe that we must reclaim agency in shaping our future. It is not enough to rely solely on leaders; each of us must embrace the responsibility for creating positive change. By joining hands across governments, businesses, and communities, we can foster innovation, resilience, and long-term sustainable solutions.

In summary, Hurricane Otis coming “out of the blue”, has urged us to reflect on the imperative of building resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters. As someone whose family members and friends got directly affected by the devastating impact firsthand, I am convinced that a resilient future is within our reach. By designing innovative shelter, investing in sustainable energy systems, and promoting food security and sustainable development, we can create a world where humanity not only survives but thrives.

Hence, let us come together to build a future that safeguards our communities, our environment, and our shared prosperity.